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Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

Gov. Abbott, Houston Mayor at odds over Harvey costs:

Gov. Greg Abbott said today that Houston’s mayor is holding the state “hostage” by proposing a 3.6 percent local tax increase unless Texas taps into its rainy day fund to help pay for Hurricane Harvey relief. During a press conference on the rebuilding efforts, Abbott said Mayor Sylvester Turner has “all the money he needs” for now.

Turner sent the governor a letter requesting state lawmakers tap into the savings account before the next legislative session. He said his call for a one-time property tax hike to pay for Harvey expenses wouldn’t be necessary is Abbott tapped into the nearly $10 billion emergency fund.

Abbott said now is not the time for “financial panic.”

1on1: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was at Tuesday’s Harvey press briefing and joined us from the FEMA joint field office in North Austin to discuss the state recovery efforts. He also responds to Mayor Turner’s request.

Graham-Cassidy Bill Doomed:

Senate Republicans will not vote this week on the latest attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. That’s according to senators who emerged from a closed-door meeting today.

Arizona Senator Jeff Flake shook his head “no” when asked about plans for a vote. The decision marks the end of the latest effort to overturn the law, a promise the GOP has made to voters for seven years.

Today, President Trump expressed his disappointment with the Republican senators who said they’d vote against it.

“At some point there will be a repeal and replace but we’ll see whether or not that point is now or will it be shortly thereafter. But we are disappointed in certain so-called Republicans,” President Trump said.

The latest proposed bill was sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy and Lindsey Graham, but the opposition from at least three Republican Senators, Susan Collins, John McCain and Rand Paul, sunk the measure’s chances.

Democrats were unified in their opposition.

Virtual Doctor Visits:

Texas doctors are now allowed to see patients through a phone or video connection, instead of just face to face at the doctor’s office.

A new law took effect September first that makes virtual doctor visits legal. At 7, why these virtual visits played a critical role in responding to Hurricane Harvey.

SB4 Latest:

One day after a federal appeals court allowed more of the state’s anti-sanctuary cities law to take effect, Attorney General Ken Paxton says he’s now accepting complaints related to cities and counties that don’t comply.

Part of the law now in effect requires jurisdictions to comply with federal detention requests placed on jail inmates suspected of being in the country illegally.

Local police are also prohibited from creating policies that prevent officers from investigating a person’s immigration status during routine stops.

Paxton’s office can seek the removal of an elected official and create civil penalties based on the complaints.

Meanwhile, the Austin Police Department announced Tuesday it’s changed its policy to comply with the latest court ruling.

But the Police Chief says that doesn’t change their focus.

“It is still just as important as it ever has been that you continue to trust us as a department to understand the importance of our relationship and to be willing to come forward if you’ve ever been a victim of a crime or you’ve witnessed someone else be victimized,” Chief Brian Manley said.

The department will roll out new videos that will train officers on the policy changes.

1on1: Garry Mauro:

Texas Democrats say they’ll have a viable candidate for Governor — soon. As we wait to hear who it will be, one longtime party faithful and former Texas Land Commissioner says it’s okay if they don’t get a candidate to challenge Gov. Abbott.

Garry Mauro discusses his stance at 7, and where Democrats should place their focus instead.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

SB4 in Court:

Attorneys for Texas asked a federal appeals court to let the state’s new sanctuary cities law take effect immediately. It comes after a federal judge in San Antonio blocked most of the law just before it was set to take effect September 1st.

Attorneys representing a group of cities suing to stop what’s also known as SB4, say it violates the Fourth Amendment by requiring police to detain individuals who are suspected of being in the country illegally without probable cause.

They want the temporary hold on the law to continue while it plays out in courts.

Before the proceedings began, around 100 protesters gathered outside the courthouse. Among them were state and local elected officials.

“We’re continuing the fight to stop this law which is really a racial profiling, anti-immigrant, anti-job bill,” Sen. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, said.

The state argues it’s about public safety — and that it has the authority to mandate that local law enforcement cooperate with federal officials.

In a statement, Attorney General Ken Paxton said:

“We delivered a strong case for allowing Senate Bill 4 to take effect…Enforcing immigration law helps prevent dangerous criminals from being released into Texas communities.”

The judges didn’t give any indication on when they will rule on today’s matter. Meanwhile, a full hearing on the law is schedule for November 6th.

Join us at 7 to hear more on today’s arguments from retired UT Austin clinical law professor Barbara Hines.

Reporter Roundtable:

Bob Garrett of the Dallas Morning News and John Gravois of the Houston Chronicle join our reporter roundtable to give their take on the SB4 arguments. We also discuss the latest Harvey rebuilding efforts and where most of the state costs are expected to fall.

War of Words:

Deranged — mad man — those are the terms being thrown back and forth between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after President Trump’s Speech to the U.N. General Assembly sparked the latest escalation in a war of words between the two leaders.

But will the rising rhetoric lead to something more grave? We’ll have a full report at 7pm.

Sen. Cornyn Responds to North Korea and Health Care Bill:

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, says he’s glad the President is putting pressure on Kim Jung Un. But he told reporters today he’s unaware of the “war of words” between the two.

“I don’t know if that helps impress Kim Jong Un with the seriousness of what he’s doing, discourages him. My sense is that he doesn’t really care what anybody says or does because this is about his survival, survival of the regime,” Cornyn said.

The senator was asked about the conflict after an event honoring an Austin police officer today.

Cornyn’s a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and says the threat North Korea poses is substantial. He says it’s important the US not turn its head and let an individual threaten any of our allies.

The senator was also asked about the fate of the latest GOP health care bill. He called it a work in progress but expects a vote on it next week.

Cornyn’s comments came shortly before Sen. John McCain announced he’s a no vote on the bill. McCain’s opposition likely keeps it from passing.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

Straus Calls for Removal of Confederate Plaque:

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, is joining a growing number of state lawmakers calling for the removal of a controversial Confederate plaque inside the State Capitol.

It’s tucked in the Capitol’s East wing and many say it’s inaccurate because it claims the Civil War wasn’t about slavery.

In a letter to the State Preservation Board, Speaker Straus wrote:

“Texans should expect to see an accurate depiction of history when they visit their state Capitol. As I have stated before, I also believe that Preservation Board Staff should study the historical accuracy and context of other symbols on the Capitol grounds.”

Democratic Rep. Eric Johnson started the push to remove the plaque shortly after the end of the special session in the wake of the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville that turned deadly.

“I think it tells everyone, ‘look guys, it’s ok.’ It’s not about Republicans versus Democrats or Conservatives versus Liberals, this is about people who value truth,” Johnson said.

Johnson will also be meeting with Governor Greg Abbott to discuss Confederate monuments on the Capitol Grounds. Abbott has condemned the actions of white nationalists but says removing symbols won’t erase the past.

Join us at 7pm for an in depth look at the issue and where Confederate statues exist in Texas.

Lead Levels in Texas Schools:

Lead levels have been detected in almost 800 Texas schools. That’s according to an environmental advocacy group that is now calling for more testing.

The group, Environment Texas, wants all school districts to ‘get the lead out.’

They held a news conference today in Austin, shining light on the school district itself here in the Capital City, which tested all of its 130 campuses and found lead present in seven different campuses.

That includes five elementary schools and two sports facilities.

Austin ISD says it took several steps, including swapping out a drinking fountain at Zavala Elementary in East Austin, which they say tested high for lead.

After test that with a new fountain, they said there was no lead present.

Environment Texas says that may not be a true sign that the lead is gone from the system altogether.

They say there are problems with the pipes–not only in schools, but in neighborhoods themselves.

They are calling on local water utilities across Texas and the EPA to make sure they hold up the highest standards for drinking water, especially where students spend most of their days.

We have reached out to other school districts across the region. We will bring you their updates on Capital Tonight at 7pm.

Congressman Lloyd Doggett Discusses GOP Health Care Bill:

The Trump administration says it’s “all in” in a last ditch effort by Republicans to repeal Obamacare.

A chief sponsor of the bill says he’s feeling good about where they’re at — but stopped short of predicting the GOP has the votes to pass it.

The so-called Graham-Cassidy bill would keep much of the Obamacare tax structure in place. But it would give the money back to the states in the form of temporary block grants, allowing states to design their own health care systems.

Sen. Lindsay Graham says Republicans are out of options — and need to pass this bill.

“You can have different opinions about the quality of this bill. At the end of the day, this is the only process left available to stop a march toward socialism. We have between now and the end of the month to have a vote and a debate about whether this is better than the status quo,” Graham said.

Opponents say it will mean millions will lose coverage including Democratic Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett. He joins us tonight to discuss his opposition to the bill, DACA discussions and redistricting.

Bill Miller Talks Abbott Staff Shake-up:

When Gov. Greg Abbott announced his staff shake-up yesterday, aides and other officials called it a natural transition at this point in the Governor’s tenure.

Two years in — and heading into his reelection bid, longtime Austin lobbyist Bill Miller joins us to discuss the changes and what it signals moving forward.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

Bipartisan Tax Reform:

Many Americans think of April 15th when they think of taxes, but Congressional leaders say the week of September 25th is the next big date on the calendar when it comes to how much you may pay Uncle Sam.

House Ways and Means Chairman and Texas Congressman Kevin Brady announced today that’s when key tax legislation writers, along with the White House, will have a proposal for a revised federal tax code.

Coming up at 7pm we’ll have more on talk of bi-partisan agreement in Washington and what it would take to lead to action.

Sen. Cruz’s Tax Reform Vision:

Sen. Ted Cruz also laid out his vision for tax reform today. The priorities include full and immediate write-offs of businesses’ capital investments and the repeal of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law.

Cruz made his pitch at an event hosted by the conservative Tax Foundation. He called tax reform a “fundamental promise that Washington is grappling with.”

Cruz discussed tax reform frequently while campaigning for President in 2016. But he’s not a member of the Senate’s tax-writing committee.

The Texans most likely to be in the middle of the discussions — Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn and House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady.

DACA Discussions:

Bipartisan discussions dealing with DACA — the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program — are also happening in Washington.

Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and others met late this afternoon to talk about legislative options for DREAMERS.

Last Tuesday, President Trump announced he would end the program, but offered up a six month delay, giving congress time to come up with a plan to fix it.

Today he said a bipartisan approach could do just that.

“We want to see if we can do something in regard to immigration with regard to the 800,000 people that are now young people they aren’t children anymore, they were children but now they are young people, but we want to see if we can do something in a bipartisan fashion.”

The President will continue bipartisan discussions on DACA with Pelosi and Sen. Schumer tonight during a dinner at the White House.

Not in My State Campaign:

A coalition of Hispanic groups are launching the “Not in My State Campaign.”

The goal is to fight back against what they call anti-Latino policies being pushed across the country.

In Texas, that includes the state’s anti-sanctuary cities law, which has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

And they’re calling on lawmakers to find a fix for DACA…

“The climate that we’re operating in is unlike any that we’ve seen before which alludes to the launching of this initiative to say we’re done. We’ve had enough,” Rep. Celia Israel, D-Austin, said.

Similar campaign launches were also held today in at least nine other states.

Those hoping to see new state political maps ahead of the 2018 election have suffered a big set-back. Late Tuesday, a divided US Supreme Court blocked lower court rulings that ordered Texas to redraw some Congressional and State House districts.

The 5-4 decision means the state will likely hold elections next year in districts that were struck down as racially discriminatory.

Workers Comp for First Responders’ Families:

First responders have some of the most stressful and dangerous jobs. Whenever they answer a call, they put their lives on the line, along with their families, who face an uncertain future should they die in the line of duty.

At 7pm, our Victoria Maranan shows us how a new law gives these families a lifeline.

Political Analysts:

Democrat Harold Cook and Republican Ted Delisi are in to discuss the latest redistricting ruling and why Democrats still don’t have a candidate for governor.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

Irma Congressional Response:

For the second time in three weeks, millions of Americans are reeling from a natural disaster.

As Texans start to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, Floridians are just starting to get a glimpse of the devastation Irma left behind.

The people of Florida are relying on the federal government to help with the recovery. It will be up to Congress to approve emergency funds – but will it happen, and how quickly?

Our Washington bureau reporter Alberto Pimienta has the latest on the Congressional response at 7pm.

Hand-in-Hand Day:

Thousands have stepped up to help in Harvey recovery efforts. And that will be on full display tonight during a star-studded telethon benefiting the victims of both hurricanes.

Earlier today, Gov. Greg Abbott joined the King of Country and other musicians performing at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio tonight.

George Strait’s Harvey benefit concert sold out in 30 minutes. He says this likely won’t be the last event they do to help out the people of Texas.

“I’d like to see us raise a lot of money,” Strait said. “These people need money they need financial support and clothes and pets and that’s the example we want to set.”

Strait was joined by Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen.

Tonight’s San Antonio concert coincides with the nationally broadcast Hand in Hand telethon. Funds raised from the telethon will go to several organizations including the Rebuild Texas Fund.

No Cost for LTC Replacements:

In true Texas fashion, if you’ve lost or damaged your license to carry a handgun due to Harvey, you can get a free replacement.

Gov. Abbott says he lifted what he called “burdensome” fees so Texans can focus on rebuilding their lives and communities.

A replacement normally costs $25. But if you live in a county that’s been declared a disaster area — you’re eligible to receive a replacement at no cost.

Straus Urges Business Community to Keep Up Fight Against “Bathroom Bill”:

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus urged business leaders to continue the fight against a so-called “bathroom bill” today.

The legislation to regulate where transgender Texans can use the restroom failed to pass in the regular and special sessions.

In a speech to the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Straus added the business community needs to stay engaged.

“Texans rejected name-calling and scare tactics and as a result we avoided a major mistake that would have cost our economy greatly and divided us unnecessarily,” Straus said.

Speaking with reporters after his speech, Straus agreed with Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that a special session would not be needed to deal with the response to Harvey.

He noted lawmakers have plenty of authority to free up money to provide aid.

School Buses Must Have Seat Belts:

Buckling up is no longer reserved for your personal vehicle. A new state law now requires new school buses to be equipped with three-point seatbelts.

Our Victoria Maranan explains the details at 7pm.

Rep. Larry Gonzales Not Running for Reelection:

The Round Rock Republican recently announced he won’t be seeking re-election.

Rep. Gonzales was first elected to the Texas House in 2010. He’s served on the appropriations committee and as chairman of the Sunset Advisory Commission, which is responsible for periodic reviews of state agencies.

He joins us tonight to explain why and what he calls his biggest accomplishments as a state lawmakers.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

Remembering 9/11, 16 Years Later:

President Trump led September 11th remembrances for the first time as Commander-in-Chief. It comes 16 years after then-President George W. Bush told the nation of the terrorist attacks.

For hours on this anniversary, three sites observed the moments 2977 people died. On tonight’s show, we take a look at a day of remembering what happened and renewing resolve to keep if from happening again.

Austin Fire Department Tower Climb:

The Austin Fire Department held its sixteenth annual tower climb to remember the 343 firefighters that died in the World Trade Center.

Join us at 7 for a look at how Austin firefighters endured 189 flights of stairs, to complete the journey their fallen brothers and sisters never finished.

Last week, Congress passed the initial aid bill for victims of the storm. But four Texas Republican colleagues voted no.

They complained the aid was linked to a three-month lifting of the debt ceiling.

“I don’t want to judge them,” McCaul said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe Monday. “I judge myself and my conscience and when I have people dying and hurting in my home state, it was my duty and my moral obligation to help them, and I felt that that vote was a vote of conscience to help people in my state and also now in Florida.”

None of the four Texans who voted ‘no’ represent districts affected by Harvey.

Irma Latest:

After battering Florida, what’s left of Tropical Storm Irma is causing more problems. Millions of people are without power and there is the threat of a potentially deadly storm surge.

We bring you a report out of Naples where people there are now starting to clean up.

Rep. Tony Dale on Front Lines of Harvey Response:

Four state lawmakers were on the front lines of the Harvey response efforts.

They serve in the Texas State Guard, which was called up alongside the Texas National Guard.

Rep. Tony Dale of Cedar Park was one of them and he joins us at 7 to discuss his role in the relief efforts, and how his service informs his decisions as a policymaker.

On the Agenda:

The Quorum Report’s Harvey Kronberg is in at to talk 2018 and Harvey recovery efforts.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

Trump Signs Harvey Aid Bill:

President Trump and Congress have quickly acted to help deliver storm recovery money to the thousands of Texans dealing with the aftermath of Harvey.

The US House overwhelmingly approved sending a $15.3 billion disaster aid package to the President Friday morning and Trump signed it Friday afternoon.

Lawmakers overcame objections from conservatives who didn’t want the emergency aid linked to a temporary increase in the country’s borrowing authority.

The bill keeps the government funded into December.

“I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do,” Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s budget director, said. “I think the president is sending the message that the president is a very results driven person. He wants to see results. And right now he wants to see results on hurricane Harvey, hurricane Irma and tax reform and he saw an opportunity to work with the Democrats on this particular issue, this particular time to get those things done.”

The measure would refill depleted emergency accounts. It’s only the first installment of a federal aid package that could exceed the $100-billion plus provided after Hurricane Katrina.

Federal Government Preps for Irma:

But is the money enough to help Texas and Florida as people there prepare to face or flee Hurricane Irma? We take a look at how FEMA resources are dwindling as Congress scrambles to send billions more to the agency.

Reporter Roundtable:

Capitol Press Corps reporters Scott Braddock of the Quorum Report, Patrick Svitek with the Texas Tribune and Peggy Fikac of the San Antonio Express-News weigh in on Gov. Abbott’s response to Harvey and his pick to lead the state’s rebuilding efforts. Plus, the DACA decision and what it means for Texas.

PolitiFact Texas:

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller recently said during an interview on Capital Tonight that a poll showed 70 to 75 percent of people want to see Confederate statues remain up and not taken down. Gardner Selby of PolitiFact Texas put Miller to the truth-o-meter. Find out how he rated tonight at 7pm.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

A&M Chancellor to lead Harvey rebuilding efforts:

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed the leader of Texas A&M University to head the state’s rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Harvey.

Abbott says he tapped Chancellor John Sharp, in part, because he knows how to cut through red tape and wants a swift-moving recovery effort. Sharp is a former longtime Democratic lawmaker who represented coastal counties and served as Comptroller.

At 7, our Max Gorden explains why some state leaders have concerns that the money to rebuild quickly isn’t there.

US Senate Approves $15.3 billion in Harvey Relief:

The US Senate has passed a $15.3 billion aid package for Harvey victims. That nearly doubles President Trump’s emergency request.

Senators also added a deal between Trump and Democrats to temporarily extend the government’s ability to borrow money to cover its bills.

The 80-17 vote returns the legislation to the House, which is expected to vote on it Friday and send it to the president’s desk.

Hoarding and panic buying following Harvey put unnecessary strains on gas pumps in parts of Texas. But one state official says the supply is quickly recovering and any shortages should be resolved within the next couple of days.

Another piece of good news, several refineries idled by the storm have restarted.

Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton joins us tonight to discuss how the oil and gas industry is recovering.

Harvey’s Toll on Higher Education:

College classes have resumed on many Texas campuses, but Harvey’s effect on higher education is being widely felt. The state’s higher education coordinating board estimates 500,000 students are enrolled in Texas schools from counties affected by the hurricane, and trying to figure out support financially and emotionally has become a big focus.

Higher Education Commissioner Raymund Paredes told Capital Tonight most schools are open and accepting students but the real problem is personal circumstances.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

DACA Decision:

Today’s decision to end the Obama-era program that’s shielded young undocumented immigrants from deportation has left thousands facing an uncertain future.

It’s also prompted outrage and protests across the country.

President Trump now with an ultimatum to Congress: do something to fix the problem.

Join us at 7pm for reaction from DACA recipients and immigration attorneys who are being bombarded with questions from clients.

Congressman Joaquin Castro:

Rep. Castro called the DACA decision devastating for the 800,000 undocumented immigrants who have lived and worked in the country for years. He is also urging Congress to act.

“Over the last five years there have been many members of Congress that have been saying DACA should have been done legislatively,” Castro told Capital Tonight. “Now, here’s our chance and their chance to get that done. It’s going to be tough because it’s a six-month window but it’s doable.”

The state is watching for health issues in areas ravaged by Harvey floodwaters — everything from mosquitos to bacterial infections. Governor Greg Abbott said during a briefing Tuesday morning that local spraying for mosquitoes is already underway, and state aerial spraying should start later this week.

Health officials urge anyone involved in any sort of cleanup efforts involving floodwaters to be safe. They are urging people to make sure they’re up to date on their tetanus shot and cover any cuts with bangages to stop bacterial infections.

Meanwhile, even with cleanup underway in much of the state, counties like Wharton, Brazoria, Jefferson, Orange and Newton are still* experiencing major flooding, which should subside later this week.

The governor said he has no doubt the federal government will help Texas with recovery efforts, even by sticking funding bills to other issues like the debt ceiling.

“I feel confident that Texas is going to get the resources they need from the federal government,” Abbott said. “Because of the timing of where we are in the budget cycle, it is appropriate for them to use the funding strategies they are using here in the month of September.”

More good news, Abbott said most of the state’s hospitals are back open. A handful remain closed in parts of Houston, Victoria and Corpus Christi.

At least 60 deaths have been blamed on the storm.

On the Agenda:

And the Quorum Report’s Harvey Kronberg joins us to go on the agenda. Hear his analysis of Gov. Abbott’s response to Hurricane Harvey and State Rep. Cindy Burkett’s decision to challenge State Sen. Bob Hall in the Republican primary.

Our daily digest is a mid-day update on the stories we’re following in Texas politics today. Here’s what we’re watching:

No Gas Shortage and No Special Session:

The state is not running out of gas. That’s the latest message from state officials as panic-buying has led to long lines at the pumps and stations having to turn customers away.

Governor Greg Abbott made that announcement during a briefing on Harvey today. He also said a special session of the State Legislature will not be needed to address funding before lawmakers meet again in 2019.

We’ll have the latest where rescue and recovery efforts stand in the state at 7pm.

Rebuild Texas Campaign:

The founder and CEO of Round Rock based Dell Technologies has pledged $36 million to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation’s donation is the largest single contribution to help victims of the hurricane so far.

They also gave $17 million to launch the “Rebuild Texas Fund,” with a goal of raising more than $100 million for immediate relief efforts.

The couple said in a statement that the Houston street where Michael grew up is under water.

New State Laws On the Books:

More than 600 new state laws took effect today. One eases restrictions on carrying knives and swords over 5 inches. Another protects underage students who report sexual assault, even if they were drinking. Fees to obtain handgun licenses have dropped from $140 to $40. It’s also now a hate crime if you attack an officer.

David’s law is now in effect. It was named for 16-year-old David Molak, who committed suicide after extensive online bullying.

The measure makes cyber-bullying anyone under 18 with the intent to seriously harm or kill a misdemeanor.

And after several roadblocks, a statewide ban on texting while driving is now law. Texas is one of the last states in the country to implement such a statewide ban.

Laws Blocked from Taking Effect:

Meanwhile, two high profile measures that were set to take effect today have been blocked.

As we reported earlier this week — a federal judge halted major provisions of the so-called “sanctuary cities” law. He temporarily blocked the part that requires jail officials to honor all detainers. But he let stand the portion that allows police officers to question the immigration status of people they detain, though added officers are limited in what they can do with that information.

And yesterday, a different federal judge blocked the state from banning a common second trimester abortion procedure known as dilation and evacuation.

Reporter Roundtable:

James Barragan of the Dallas Morning News, Kiah Collier of the Texas Tribune and Mike Ward with the Houston Chronicle join us tonight to discuss the national, state and local response to Harvey.

PolitiFact Texas:

Did two-thirds of Hurricane Sandy relief have nothing to do with the storm? We’re fact-checking a claim by Sen. Cruz as he seeks federal relief following Harvey. Gardner Selby of PolitiFact Texas rates that claim and one by President Trump.

Let’s keep the conversation going on our political blog! Capital Roundup is an extension of the interviews, debates, analysis and commentary seen on our nightly political show, Capital Tonight. We invite you to join the discussion.

Capital Tonight airs live every night at 7 p.m. with a replay at 11 p.m.